What are the common elements in Manipuri ghost stories?

One common element is the presence of spirits. In many Manipuri horror stories, the spirits of the dead play a significant role. They are often the source of the horror, whether it's a vengeful spirit seeking revenge for an unjust death or a lost soul that is unable to move on.

Ghosts are a common element. Just like in many cultures, Manipuri horror stories often feature spirits of the dead that haunt places. For example, spirits of those who died tragically, like in accidents or murders.

In Manipuri ghost stories, there are often tales about spirits that reside in the forests. These spirits can either be benevolent or malevolent. For example, some stories tell of a forest spirit that protects the animals but will mislead hunters who are too greedy. It warns them to respect nature through strange apparitions and sounds in the forest.

The themes usually involve sacrifice. For example, a lover might sacrifice their own happiness to protect the other from harm or family wrath. Social barriers are also common. In Manipur, as in many places, different social groups may not accept relationships between their members. And there is often the theme of longing. The lovers are separated, and they spend their days longing for each other, which adds to the sadness of the story.

Another element is the appearance of the ghosts. They might be described as having a pale complexion and wearing traditional Manipuri clothes from a bygone era. And their actions usually involve scaring the living or trying to convey a message from the afterlife. For instance, a ghost might appear to a family member to reveal the location of a hidden treasure that was wrongfully taken from them in the past.

There's a Manipuri ghost story where in a remote village, there was an abandoned well. It was believed that a malevolent spirit lived there. A young boy once went too close to the well at dusk. He said he saw a pair of glowing eyes from the well and then heard a strange whispering. He ran away in fear and since then, the villagers always avoid going near the well especially during the evening.

Well, Sicilian ghost stories usually have a strong connection to the local culture and history. The ghosts are often the result of some past misdeed. For instance, in many stories, a character's greed or jealousy led to their downfall and now they haunt a place. And, the natural environment of Sicily, like the rocky coasts or the ancient forests, also plays a role. It adds to the spooky atmosphere, making the stories more believable.

One common element is the sense of unfinished business. The soldier ghosts often seem to be still tied to the place where they died, like they have something left to do. For example, still guarding a strategic point.

A common element is the undertaker's special ability to sense the supernatural. They can often feel the presence of ghosts when others can't. Another element is the setting, usually a funeral home or morgue which is spooky on its own. And often, there is a mystery surrounding a dead person that the ghost wants to reveal through the undertaker.

One common element is the haunted building. It could be an old dormitory, a library, or an abandoned structure on campus. Another is the apparition, often described as a figure in white or a shadowy form. And there's usually some kind of tragic backstory, like a student who died in an accident or a person who was wronged in the past.